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Guille M, Grainger R. Genetics and Gene Editing Methods in Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2023; 2023:pdb.top107045. [PMID: 36283837 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top107045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of biological systems has for many years been heavily influenced by experimental approaches that exploit genetic methods. These include gain-of-function experiments that overexpress transgenes or ectopically express injected RNA and loss-of-function experiments that knock out genes or knock down RNAs. Here, we review how these methods have been applied in Xenopus frogs and introduce a variety of protocols for genetic manipulation of Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Guille
- European Xenopus Resource Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Grainger
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA
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2
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Abu-Daya A, Godwin A. CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Disruption Studies in F 0 Xenopus Tadpoles: Understanding Development and Disease in the Frog. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2633:111-130. [PMID: 36853461 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3004-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 has become the favorite method for gene knockouts in a range of vertebrate model organisms due to its ease of use and versatility. Gene-specific guide RNAs can be designed to a unique genomic sequence and used to target the Cas9 endonuclease, which causes a double-stranded break at the desired locus. Repair of the breaks through non-homologous end joining often results in the deletion or insertion of several nucleotides, which frequently result in nonsense mutations. Xenopus frogs have long been an excellent model organism in which to study gene function, and they have proven to be useful in gene-editing experiments, especially the diploid species, X. tropicalis. In this chapter, we present our protocols for gene disruption in Xenopus, which we regularly use to investigate developmental processes and model human genetic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Abu-Daya
- European Xenopus Resource Centre, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
| | - Annie Godwin
- European Xenopus Resource Centre, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
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3
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A new evolutionary model for the vertebrate actin family including two novel groups. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2019; 141:106632. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Abstract
At this time, no molecular targeted therapies exist for treatment of retinoblastoma. This can be, in part, attributed to the lack of animal models that allow for both rapid identification of novel therapeutic targets and hypothesis driven drug testing. Within this scope, we have recently reported the first genuine genetic nonmammalian retinoblastoma cancer model within the aquatic model organism Xenopus tropicalis (Naert et al., Sci Rep 6: 35263, 2016). Here we describe the methods to generate rb1 mosaic mutant Xenopus tropicalis by employing the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. In depth, we discuss short guide RNA (sgRNA) design parameters, generation, quality control, quantification, and delivery followed by several methods for assessing genome editing efficiencies. As such the reader should be capable, by minor changes to the methods described here, to (co-) target rb1 or any one or multiple gene(s) within the Xenopus tropicalis genome by multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Naert
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Vleminckx
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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5
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Naert T, Vleminckx K. CRISPR/Cas9 disease models in zebrafish and Xenopus: The genetic renaissance of fish and frogs. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2018; 28:41-52. [PMID: 30205880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The speed by which clinical genomics is currently identifying novel potentially pathogenic variants is outperforming the speed by which these can be functionally (genotype-phenotype) annotated in animal disease models. However, over the past few years the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 as a straight-forward genome editing technology has revolutionized disease modeling in vertebrate non-mammalian model organisms such as zebrafish, medaka and Xenopus. It is now finally possible, by CRISPR/Cas9, to rapidly establish clinically relevant disease models in these organisms. Interestingly, these can provide both cost-effective genotype-phenotype correlations for gene-(variants) and genomic rearrangements obtained from clinical practice, as well as be exploited to perform translational research to improve prospects of disease afflicted patients. In this review, we show an extensive overview of these new CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disease models and provide future prospects that will allow increasingly accurate modeling of human disease in zebrafish, medaka and Xenopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Naert
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Vleminckx
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Belgium; Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium.
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Naert T, Vleminckx K. Methods for CRISPR/Cas9 Xenopus tropicalis Tissue-Specific Multiplex Genome Engineering. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1865:33-54. [PMID: 30151757 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8784-9_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we convey a state-of-the art update to the 2014 Nakayama protocol for CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering in Xenopus tropicalis (X. tropicalis). We discuss in depth, gRNA design software and rules, gRNA synthesis, and procedures for tissue- and tissue-specific CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing by targeted microinjection in X. tropicalis embryos. We demonstrate the methodology by which any standard equipped Xenopus researcher with microinjection experience can generate F0 CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mosaic mutants (crispants) within one to two work-week(s). The described methodology allows CRISPR/Cas9 efficiencies to be high enough to read out phenotypic consequences, and thus perform gene function analysis, in the F0 crispant. Additionally, we provide the framework for performing multiplex tissue-specific CRISPR/Cas9 experiments generating crispants mosaic mutant in up to four genes simultaneously, which can be of importance for Laevis researchers aiming to target by CRISPR/Cas9 both the S and L homeolog of a gene simultaneously. Finally, we discuss off-target concerns, how to minimize these and ways to rapidly bypass reviewer off-target critique by exploiting the advantages of X. tropicalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Naert
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Vleminckx
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Zahn N, Levin M, Adams DS. The Zahn drawings: new illustrations of Xenopus embryo and tadpole stages for studies of craniofacial development. Development 2017; 144:2708-2713. [PMID: 28765211 PMCID: PMC5560046 DOI: 10.1242/dev.151308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The embryos and tadpoles of the frog Xenopus are increasingly important subjects for studies of the development of the head and face - studies that are providing novel and crucial insight into the causes and prevention of a suite of devastating birth defects, as well as basic evolutionary and developmental biology. However, many studies are conducted on a range of embryonic stages that are not fully represented in the beloved Xenopus resource, Nieuwkoop and Faber's classic Normal Table of Xenopus laevis (Daudin) The lack of standardized images at these stages acts as a barrier to the efficient and accurate representation and communication of experimental methodology and expression data. To fill this gap, we have created 27 new high-quality illustrations. Like their oft-used predecessors from Nieuwkoop and Faber, these drawings can be freely downloaded and used, and will, we hope, serve as an essential resource for this important model system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology and Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.,Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Dany Spencer Adams
- Department of Biology and Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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no privacy, a Xenopus tropicalis mutant, is a model of human Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome and allows visualization of internal organogenesis during tadpole development. Dev Biol 2017; 426:472-486. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Naert T, Van Nieuwenhuysen T, Vleminckx K. TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 fuel genetically engineered clinically relevant Xenopus tropicalis tumor models. Genesis 2017; 55. [PMID: 28095622 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The targeted nuclease revolution (TALENs, CRISPR/Cas9) now allows Xenopus researchers to rapidly generate custom on-demand genetic knockout models. These novel methods to perform reverse genetics are unprecedented and are fueling a wide array of human disease models within the aquatic diploid model organism Xenopus tropicalis (X. tropicalis). This emerging technology review focuses on the tools to rapidly generate genetically engineered X. tropicalis models (GEXM), with a focus on establishment of genuine genetic and clinically relevant cancer models. We believe that due to particular advantageous characteristics, outlined within this review, GEXM will become a valuable alternative animal model for modeling human cancer. Furthermore, we provide perspectives of how GEXM will be used as a platform for elucidation of novel therapeutic targets and for preclinical drug validation. Finally, we also discuss some future prospects on how the recent expansions and adaptations of the CRISPR/Cas9 toolbox might influence and push forward X. tropicalis cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Naert
- Developmental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Tom Van Nieuwenhuysen
- Developmental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Kris Vleminckx
- Developmental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
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10
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Freeburg SH, Engelbrecht E, Powell WH. Subfunctionalization of Paralogous Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors from the Frog Xenopus Laevis: Distinct Target Genes and Differential Responses to Specific Agonists in a Single Cell Type. Toxicol Sci 2016; 155:337-347. [PMID: 27994169 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene duplication confers genetic redundancy that can facilitate subfunctionalization, the partitioning of ancestral functions between paralogs. We capitalize on a recent genome duplication in Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog) to interrogate possible functional differentiation between alloalleles of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates toxicity of dioxin-like compounds and plays a role in the physiology and development of the cardiovascular, hepatic, and immune systems in vertebrates. X. laevis has 2 AHR genes, AHR1α and AHR1β To test the hypothesis that the encoded proteins exhibit different molecular functions, we used TALENs in XLK-WG cells, generating mutant lines lacking functional versions of each AHR and measuring the transcriptional responsiveness of several target genes to the toxic xenobiotic 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and the candidate endogenous ligand 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ). Mutation of either AHR1α or AHR1β reduced TCDD induction of the canonical AHR target, Cytochrome P4501A6, by 75%, despite the much lower abundance of AHR1β in wild-type cells. More modestly induced target genes, encoding aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR), spectrin repeat-containing nuclear envelope protein 1 (SYNE-1), and gap junction protein gamma 1 (GJC1), were regulated solely by AHR1α. AHR1β was responsible for CYP1A6 induction by FICZ, while AHR1α mediated FICZ induction of AHRR We conclude that AHR1α and AHR1β have distinct transcriptional functions in response to specific agonists, even within a single cell type. Functional analysis of frog AHR paralogs advances the understanding of AHR evolution and as well as the use of frog models of developmental toxicology such as FETAX.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wade H Powell
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio 43022
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11
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Limborg MT, Seeb LW, Seeb JE. Sorting duplicated loci disentangles complexities of polyploid genomes masked by genotyping by sequencing. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:2117-29. [PMID: 26939067 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Many plants and animals of polyploid origin are currently enjoying a genomics explosion enabled by modern sequencing and genotyping technologies. However, routine filtering of duplicated loci in most studies using genotyping by sequencing introduces an unacceptable, but often overlooked, bias when detecting selection. Retained duplicates from ancient whole-genome duplications (WGDs) may be found throughout genomes, whereas retained duplicates from recent WGDs are concentrated at distal ends of some chromosome arms. Additionally, segmental duplicates can be found at distal ends or nearly anywhere in a genome. Evidence shows that these duplications facilitate adaptation through one of two pathways: neo-functionalization or increased gene expression. Filtering duplicates removes distal ends of some chromosomes, and distal ends are especially known to harbour adaptively important genes. Thus, filtering of duplicated loci impoverishes the interpretation of genomic data as signals from contiguous duplicated genes are ignored. We review existing strategies to genotype and map duplicated loci; we focus in detail on an overlooked strategy of using gynogenetic haploids (1N) as a part of new genotyping by sequencing studies. We provide guidelines on how to use this haploid strategy for studies on polyploid-origin vertebrates including how it can be used to screen duplicated loci in natural populations. We conclude by discussing areas of research that will benefit from better inclusion of polyploid loci; we particularly stress the sometimes overlooked fact that basing genomic studies on dense maps provides value added in the form of locating and annotating outlier loci or colocating outliers into islands of divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten T Limborg
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat Street, Box 355020, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Vejlsøvej 39, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Lisa W Seeb
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat Street, Box 355020, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - James E Seeb
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat Street, Box 355020, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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12
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Cristofori-Armstrong B, Soh MS, Talwar S, Brown DL, Griffin JDO, Dekan Z, Stow JL, King GF, Lynch JW, Rash LD. Xenopus borealis as an alternative source of oocytes for biophysical and pharmacological studies of neuronal ion channels. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14763. [PMID: 26440210 PMCID: PMC4594035 DOI: 10.1038/srep14763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
For the past 30 years, oocytes from Xenopus laevis have been extensively used to express and characterise ion channels in an easily controlled environment. Here we report the first use of oocytes from the closely related species Xenopus borealis as an alternative expression system for neuronal ion channels. Using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique, we show that a wide variety of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels have the same channel properties and pharmacological profiles when expressed in either X. laevis or X. borealis oocytes. Potential advantages of the X. borealis oocytes include a smaller endogenous chloride current and the ability to produce more intense fluorescence signals when studied with voltage-clamp fluorometry. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a difference in vitelline membrane structure between the two species, which may be related to the discrepancy in fluorescence signals observed. We demonstrate that X. borealis oocytes are a viable heterologous system for expression of neuronal ion channels with some potential advantages over X. laevis oocytes for certain applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ming S Soh
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sahil Talwar
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Darren L Brown
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - John D O Griffin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zoltan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Stow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joseph W Lynch
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lachlan D Rash
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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Schmitt SM, Gull M, Brändli AW. Engineering Xenopus embryos for phenotypic drug discovery screening. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 69-70:225-46. [PMID: 24576445 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Many rare human inherited diseases remain untreatable despite the fact that the disease causing genes are known and adequate mouse disease models have been developed. In vivo phenotypic drug screening relies on isolating drug candidates by their ability to produce a desired therapeutic phenotype in whole organisms. Embryos of zebrafish and Xenopus frogs are abundant, small and free-living. They can be easily arrayed in multi-well dishes and treated with small organic molecules. With the development of novel genome modification tools, such a zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR/Cas, it is now possible to efficiently engineer non-mammalian models of inherited human diseases. Here, we will review the rapid progress made in adapting these novel genome editing tools to Xenopus. The advantages of Xenopus embryos as in vivo models to study human inherited diseases will be presented and their utility for drug discovery screening will be discussed. Being a tetrapod, Xenopus complements zebrafish as an indispensable non-mammalian animal model for the study of human disease pathologies and the discovery of novel therapeutics for inherited diseases.
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Nakayama T, Blitz IL, Fish MB, Odeleye AO, Manohar S, Cho KWY, Grainger RM. Cas9-based genome editing in Xenopus tropicalis. Methods Enzymol 2014; 546:355-75. [PMID: 25398349 PMCID: PMC4284096 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801185-0.00017-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Xenopus tropicalis has been developed as a model organism for developmental biology, providing a system offering both modern genetics and classical embryology. Recently, the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated (CRISPR/Cas) system for genome modification has provided an additional tool for Xenopus researchers to achieve simple and efficient targeted mutagenesis. Here, we provide insights into experimental design and procedures permitting successful application of this technique to Xenopus researchers, and offer a general strategy for performing loss-of-function assays in F0 and subsequently F1 embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Nakayama
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ira L Blitz
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Margaret B Fish
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Akinleye O Odeleye
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Sumanth Manohar
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ken W Y Cho
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Robert M Grainger
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
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Haslam IS, Roubos EW, Mangoni ML, Yoshizato K, Vaudry H, Kloepper JE, Pattwell DM, Maderson PFA, Paus R. From frog integument to human skin: dermatological perspectives from frog skin biology. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2013; 89:618-55. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Iain S. Haslam
- The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Inflammation and Repair; University of Manchester; Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT U.K
| | - Eric W. Roubos
- Department of Anatomy; Radboud University Medical Centre; Geert Grooteplein Noord 2, 6525 EZ, Nijmegen P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; La Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5-00185; Rome Italy
| | - Katsutoshi Yoshizato
- Academic Advisors Office, Synthetic Biology Research Center; Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
- Phoenixbio Co. Ltd; 3-4-1, Kagamiyama; Higashihiroshima Hiroshima 739-0046 Japan
| | - Hubert Vaudry
- European Institute for Peptide Research; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan Place Emile Blondel 76821 France
- INSERM U-982, CNRS; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan Place Emile Blondel 76821 France
| | - Jennifer E. Kloepper
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie; Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160; 23538 Lübeck Germany
| | - David M. Pattwell
- Leahurst Campus, Institute of Learning & Teaching; School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool; Neston CH64 7TE U.K
| | | | - Ralf Paus
- The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Inflammation and Repair; University of Manchester; Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT U.K
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie; Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160; 23538 Lübeck Germany
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Nakayama T, Fish MB, Fisher M, Oomen-Hajagos J, Thomsen GH, Grainger RM. Simple and efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis in Xenopus tropicalis. Genesis 2013; 51:835-43. [PMID: 24123613 PMCID: PMC3947545 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have assessed the efficacy of the recently developed CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated) system for genome modification in the amphibian Xenopus tropicalis. As a model experiment, targeted mutations of the tyrosinase gene were verified, showing the expected albinism phenotype in injected embryos. We further tested this technology by interrupting the six3 gene, which is required for proper eye and brain formation. Expected eye and brain phenotypes were observed when inducing mutations in the six3 coding regions, as well as when deleting the gene promoter by dual targeting. We describe here a standardized protocol for genome editing using this system. This simple and fast method to edit the genome provides a powerful new reverse genetics tool for Xenopus researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Nakayama
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Margaret B. Fish
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Marilyn Fisher
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Jamina Oomen-Hajagos
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Gerald H. Thomsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Robert M. Grainger
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
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Blackiston DJ, Levin M. Inversion of left-right asymmetry alters performance of Xenopus tadpoles in nonlateralized cognitive tasks. Anim Behav 2013; 86:459-466. [PMID: 24039274 PMCID: PMC3768024 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Left-right behavioural biases are well documented across the animal kingdom, and handedness has long been associated with cognitive performance. However, the relationship between body laterality and cognitive ability is poorly understood. The embryonic pathways dictating normal left-right patterning have been molecularly dissected in model vertebrates, and numerous genetic and pharmacological treatments now facilitate experimental randomization or reversal of the left-right axis in these animals. Several recent studies showed a link between brain asymmetry and strongly lateralized behaviours such as eye use preference. However, links between laterality of the body and performance on cognitive tasks utilizing nonlateralized cues remain unknown. Xenopus tadpoles are an established model for the study of early left-right patterning, and protocols were recently developed to quantitatively evaluate learning and memory in these animals. Using an automated testing and training platform, we tested wild-type, left-right-randomized and left-right-reversed tadpoles for their ability to learn colour cues in an automated assay. Our results indicate that animals with either randomization or reversal of somatic left-right patterning learned more slowly than wild-type siblings, although all groups were able to reach the same performance optimum given enough training sessions. These results are the first analysis of the link between body laterality and learning of nonlateralized cues, and they position the Xenopus tadpole as an attractive and tractable model for future studies of the links between asymmetry of the body, lateralization of the brain and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J. Blackiston
- Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, U.S.A
| | - Michael Levin
- Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, U.S.A
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Fritzsch B, Pan N, Jahan I, Duncan JS, Kopecky BJ, Elliott KL, Kersigo J, Yang T. Evolution and development of the tetrapod auditory system: an organ of Corti-centric perspective. Evol Dev 2013; 15:63-79. [PMID: 23331918 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The tetrapod auditory system transmits sound through the outer and middle ear to the organ of Corti or other sound pressure receivers of the inner ear where specialized hair cells translate vibrations of the basilar membrane into electrical potential changes that are conducted by the spiral ganglion neurons to the auditory nuclei. In other systems, notably the vertebrate limb, a detailed connection between the evolutionary variations in adaptive morphology and the underlying alterations in the genetic basis of development has been partially elucidated. In this review, we attempt to correlate evolutionary and partially characterized molecular data into a cohesive perspective of the evolution of the mammalian organ of Corti out of the tetrapod basilar papilla. We propose a stepwise, molecularly partially characterized transformation of the ancestral, vestibular developmental program of the vertebrate ear. This review provides a framework to decipher both discrete steps in development and the evolution of unique functional adaptations of the auditory system. The combined analysis of evolution and development establishes a powerful cross-correlation where conclusions derived from either approach become more meaningful in a larger context which is not possible through exclusively evolution or development centered perspectives. Selection may explain the survival of the fittest auditory system, but only developmental genetics can explain the arrival of the fittest auditory system. [Modified after (Wagner 2011)].
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, CLAS, 143 BB, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. bernd‐
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Seifertova E, Zimmerman LB, Gilchrist MJ, Macha J, Kubickova S, Cernohorska H, Zarsky V, Owens NDL, Sesay AK, Tlapakova T, Krylov V. Efficient high-throughput sequencing of a laser microdissected chromosome arm. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:357. [PMID: 23714049 PMCID: PMC3701504 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic sequence assemblies are key tools for a broad range of gene function and evolutionary studies. The diploid amphibian Xenopus tropicalis plays a pivotal role in these fields due to its combination of experimental flexibility, diploid genome, and early-branching tetrapod taxonomic position, having diverged from the amniote lineage ~360 million years ago. A genome assembly and a genetic linkage map have recently been made available. Unfortunately, large gaps in the linkage map attenuate long-range integrity of the genome assembly. RESULTS We laser dissected the short arm of X. tropicalis chromosome 7 for next generation sequencing and computational mapping to the reference genome. This arm is of particular interest as it encodes the sex determination locus, but its genetic map contains large gaps which undermine available genome assemblies. Whole genome amplification of 15 laser-microdissected 7p arms followed by next generation sequencing yielded ~35 million reads, over four million of which uniquely mapped to the X. tropicalis genome. Our analysis placed more than 200 previously unmapped scaffolds on the analyzed chromosome arm, providing valuable low-resolution physical map information for de novo genome assembly. CONCLUSION We present a new approach for improving and validating genetic maps and sequence assemblies. Whole genome amplification of 15 microdissected chromosome arms provided sufficient high-quality material for localizing previously unmapped scaffolds and genes as well as recognizing mislocalized scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Seifertova
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2, 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Lyle B Zimmerman
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Michael J Gilchrist
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Jaroslav Macha
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2, 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Svatava Kubickova
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno, 621 00, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vojtech Zarsky
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2, 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Nick DL Owens
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Abdul K Sesay
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Tereza Tlapakova
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2, 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Krylov
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, Prague 2, 128 44, Czech Republic
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2013; 25:275-83. [DOI: 10.1097/bor.0b013e32835eb755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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del Viso F, Bhattacharya D, Kong Y, Gilchrist MJ, Khokha MK. Exon capture and bulk segregant analysis: rapid discovery of causative mutations using high-throughput sequencing. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:649. [PMID: 23171430 PMCID: PMC3526394 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exome sequencing has transformed human genetic analysis and may do the same for other vertebrate model systems. However, a major challenge is sifting through the large number of sequence variants to identify the causative mutation for a given phenotype. In models like Xenopus tropicalis, an incomplete and occasionally incorrect genome assembly compounds this problem. To facilitate cloning of X. tropicalis mutants identified in forward genetic screens, we sought to combine bulk segregant analysis and exome sequencing into a single step. Results Here we report the first use of exon capture sequencing to identify mutations in a non-mammalian, vertebrate model. We demonstrate that bulk segregant analysis coupled with exon capture sequencing is not only able to identify causative mutations but can also generate linkage information, facilitate the assembly of scaffolds, identify misassembles, and discover thousands of SNPs for fine mapping. Conclusion Exon capture sequencing and bulk segregant analysis is a rapid, inexpensive method to clone mutants identified in forward genetic screens. With sufficient meioses, this method can be generalized to any model system with a genome assembly, polished or unpolished, and in the latter case, it also provides many critical genomic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia del Viso
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Pan N, Kopecky B, Jahan I, Fritzsch B. Understanding the evolution and development of neurosensory transcription factors of the ear to enhance therapeutic translation. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 349:415-32. [PMID: 22688958 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1454-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Reconstructing a functional organ of Corti is the ultimate target towards curing hearing loss. Despite the impressive technical gains made over the last few years, many complications remain ahead for the two main restoration avenues: in vitro transformation of pluripotent cells into hair cell-like cells and adenovirus-mediated gene therapy. Most notably, both approaches require a more complete understanding of the molecular networks that ensure specific cell types form in the correct places to allow proper function of the restored organ of Corti. Important to this understanding are the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) that are highly diverse and serve to increase functional complexity but their evolutionary implementation in the inner ear neurosensory development is less conspicuous. To this end, we review the evolutionary and developmentally dynamic interactions of the three bHLH TFs that have been identified as the main players in neurosensory evolution and development, Neurog1, Neurod1 and Atoh1. These three TFs belong to the neurogenin/atonal family and evolved from a molecular precursor that likely regulated single sensory cell development in the ectoderm of metazoan ancestors but are now also expressed in other parts of the body, including the brain. They interact extensively via intracellular and intercellular cross-regulation to establish the two main neurosensory cell types of the ear, the hair cells and sensory neurons. Furthermore, the level and duration of their expression affect the specification of hair cell subtypes (inner hair cells vs. outer hair cells). We propose that appropriate manipulation of these TFs through their characterized binding sites may offer a solution by itself, or in conjunction with the two other approaches currently pursued by others, to restore the organ of Corti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Pan
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Khokha MK. Xenopuswhite papers and resources: Folding functional genomics and genetics into the frog. Genesis 2012; 50:133-42. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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